Preserving the Beauty of Traditional Tet

As Tet approaches and spring arrives, many schools across the province are organizing various festive activities to provide students with hands-on experiences of Vietnam’s traditional Lunar New Year. As part of the new general education curriculum, these meaningful experiential activities help students appreciate the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Tet.

At Thu Cuc 1 Kindergarten in Tan Son District, students immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Tet through activities such as shopping for Tet goods and preparing holiday feasts.

One of the most exciting activities is the “Banh Chung Wrapping for Tet” event, where students experience every step of the process—from washing and drying the leaves to soaking the rice and, most eagerly, wrapping the cakes. Teachers and parents carefully guide the children through each stage, explaining the significance of making Banh Chung for Tet, deepening their understanding of this cherished tradition.

To help students fully embrace the festive spirit, the Hung Vuong High-Quality School in Viet Tri City recreates the nostalgic atmosphere of Tet through folk games, Banh Chung wrapping, calligraphy wishes for the new year, and musical performances. Additionally, students, teachers, and parents work together to prepare food stalls featuring traditional Vietnamese Tet cuisine and regional agricultural products from the ancestral homeland.

For Dang Thuy Hang and her husband, residents of Tien Cat Ward, Viet Tri City, participating in Tet activities at their daughter’s school is a joyous experience. They take part in group activities alongside their child and her classmates. “Through these special Tet experiences, children learn more about the cultural traditions of our nation. I’m delighted to join my child in wrapping Banh Chung at school. They learn how to fold leaves, wrap the cakes, and tie them properly—small but valuable skills that help develop their thinking and practical abilities for the future,” shared Ms. Hang.

For many years, in preparation for Tet, Thu Cuc 1 Kindergarten has recreated the ambiance of a traditional Lunar New Year, offering students enriching experiences such as market scenes, Banh Chung wrapping, and peach blossom decoration. The anticipation and excitement shared by teachers and students bring the Tet spirit to life even before the holiday officially begins.

Ahead of the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Department of Education and Training encourages schools—from kindergarten to high school—to incorporate traditional Tet education into their curriculum through lessons and extracurricular activities. Schools decorate classrooms and campuses with Tet themes, integrate Tet customs into lessons, and organize activities such as rural-style markets, Vietnamese Tet food stalls, folk games, and cultural performances. Some schools even hold fruit tray arrangement contests, traditional costume showcases, and fundraising events to support underprivileged students.

As a new spring arrives, the diverse and flexible approaches to Tet education in schools help students gain a deeper appreciation of Vietnamese cultural traditions. These experiences inspire them to preserve and promote the timeless values of the nation’s beloved Lunar New Year.

As a new spring arrives, schools across the province continue to implement diverse and flexible educational activities centered around Vietnamese Tet traditions. These initiatives provide students with opportunities to expand their knowledge, explore cultural heritage, and develop a deeper appreciation for the timeless values of Vietnam’s traditional Lunar New Year.

Thu Giang